Michael DeMocker/The Times-PicayuneDenver Nuggets big man Chris Andersen is negotiating with the team on a long-term deal.

Bryant said the goal is to try to get Andersen, a former New Orleans Hornets player, a five-year deal around the mid-level exception (in the $5 million range annually).

"I think that's possible. But we're a team player," Bryant said this morning. "We'll make the necessary adjustments if we can and find the right fit."

There are numerous teams inquiring about the NBA's No. 2 shot-blocker from last season, notably Houston, which has all-star center Yao Ming shelved indefinitely, as well as Dallas, Portland and Memphis. But Andersen, who lived in Denver during his two-year banishment for drug abuse, adores the city of Denver and has publicly said he wants to return home.

And the Nuggets' top priority this summer is locking down the reserve center, who bolstered the bench during the playoff run to the Western Conference Finals.

"We really respect what's gone on in Denver," said Bryant, who pointed to the selling of the second-round draft pick as a clear sign that Denver is trying to gather money to pay Andersen. "We really love the management, we really love coach (George) Karl. And maybe on the top of the list is the town -- that town loves this kid, and he loves them."

A free agent can't officially sign with a team until July 8 and, "It's open season," as Bryant said, "but I think realistically, we could find our range in the first week of July, that would be nice. That would be one of the (situations) -- we respect you, you respect us, here it is, let's do this."

Bryant said it's possible Andersen could get an aggregate deal, and the Nuggets, who are currently near the luxury-tax line before signing a single free agent, would hope to backload Andersen's contract -- and possibly give him an extra year -- if it means reducing the amount of money Andersen makes next season (at the end of each season, any dollar a team is above the luxury-tax line has to be matched by the team and paid to the league).